Cale and Tori first met through their mutual friends, Jordan and Tillmon. The introduction happened at one of Tillmon’s iconic parties when she was 20 and Cale was 21. As they continued to spend time with the same group of friends, she quickly noticed how funny, ambitious, and smart Cale was. His first impression of her, on the other hand, was summed up in just one line: “Who is that?!” At the time, she never imagined Cale would be interested in her...until Jordan revealed otherwise. Soon after, the two went on a double date with Jordan and Tillmon, and the rest is history. From that point forward, Cale and Tori have stuck by each other through the highs and lows of school, big life changes, and the adventure of growing into adulthood together.

They officially started dating in January 2020, and from that moment on, they spent every chance they could together. Even before their relationship began, both had already planned to build their lives in Charlotte, sharing similar goals and dreams for the future. Their time at Clemson was where they truly became a team. With Cale’s strength in math and science and Tori’s creative side, they balanced each other perfectly. He was always there to help her tackle tough math and science classes, while she helped him with writing assignments and creative projects. Their dedication to each other showed in big and small ways, like when Cale would drive two hours to help her with summer coursework during her internship in Charlotte. They’ve always pushed, encouraged, and reminded one another of the future they were building together. Today, that future is here with Tori working in marketing at a top real estate agency, and Cale as an engineer at JR Motorsports. Along with their bernedoodle, Wylie, they recently celebrated buying their first home together in Charlotte.

The chapel where Cale proposed on Clemson’s campus was being built while they were both in school. She often told him how beautiful it was and how perfect it looked for a wedding. Even though they couldn’t get married there, Cale remembered her words and chose it as the place to ask her to marry him. With the help of Tori’s lifelong friend, Audrey, he pulled off the perfect surprise. Audrey, who was pregnant at the time, asked Tori to take her and her husband’s pregnancy announcement photos on campus. When they stopped by the chapel, Audrey suggested that Cale and Tori take a few pictures together. As she asked how they should pose, Cale smiled, dropped to one knee, and said, “I have a pose.” He asked her to marry him just as the sun began to set, creating the most beautiful backdrop for such a special moment.